Superb Lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
Least Concern
The Superb Lyrebird is the world's greatest mimic! It can copy not just other birds, but chainsaws, car alarms, camera shutters, and even human voices with perfect accuracy. The male's tail feathers are shaped like an ancient Greek lyre (a musical instrument).
Males perform incredible displays, fanning their lacy tail feathers over their back while singing a medley of copied sounds. They can spend 4 hours a day practicing their songs!
Size
About the size of a rooster
Large (40-60 cm)
Wingspan: 80 cm
Weight: 1000 g
Colors
brown
gray
white
Habitat
forest
Diet
insectsworms
Fun Facts
- ✨They can perfectly mimic chainsaws, camera shutters, and car alarms!
- ✨Males spend 4 hours a day practicing their songs.
- ✨Their tail takes 7 years to fully develop.
- ✨They appear on the Australian 10-cent coin!
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: decreasing 📉